PRESS RELEASES

OILERS SIGN RYAN HAMILTON

The Edmonton Oilers, parent club of the Oklahoma City Barons, signed forward Ryan Hamilton to a two-year, two-way contract, Oilers General Manager Craig MacTavish announced today.

Hamilton, a 6-2, 219-pounder from Oshawa, Ontario has played the last five seasons with the Toronto Marlies in the American Hockey League. In 258 games during those five seasons, the 28-year-old scored 165 points (94-71-165) and served 158 penalty minutes. Hamilton, who served as the Marlies team captain for each of the last two seasons, notched a career high 30 goals last season.

After playing one playoff game with Houston in the 2006 Calder Cup playoffs, he started his pro career with the Houston Aeros during the fall of 2006. Hamilton played two-plus seasons in Houston, scoring 67 points (35-32-67) in 162 games. In all, Hamilton is a veteran of 421 AHL game with 232 points (129-103-232) and 256 penalty minutes. He has appeared in 12 NHL games, all with the Toronto Maple Leafs where he registered three assists.

Before his professional career, Hamilton played four seasons with the Barrie Colts of the Ontario Hockey League. In 170 games over those four seasons, he scored 128 points (79-49-128).

Hockey season begins in Oklahoma City on Friday, September with the NHL Showcase presented by Mercy when the Edmonton Oilers host the Dallas Stars in an NHL Preseason game. For more information about tickets, call the Barons office at 232-GOAL.

Oklahoma City opens their 38-game home schedule with a weekend set of games October 4 and 5. In addition to the home opener, the Barons are scheduled to play at home November 12, 15 and 16 and December 20 and 21. The Barons annual Education Field Trip Day will be November 12.